Plastic figurine



D- L- ALGER-.

PLASTIC FIGURINE File d March 24, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet l Inventor Don LAlger May 2, 1950 D. ALGER 2,506,328

' PLASTIC FIGURINE Filed March 24, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor Don L.Alger Patented May 2, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 6 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in amusementdevices.

The objects of this invention are to provide an amusing and educationalnovelty device; to provide figurines of various configurationssimulating a variety of subjects; to provide novel means for securingelements of said figurines in certain adjustable predetermined relation;to provide means to adjustably and removably connect various elements ofthe figurines simulating clothing; to provide gay colored componentsoffering selective choice of colors thereof; to provide an inexpensiveassembly of elements conducive of entertainment.

Ancillary objects and features of novelty Will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art, in following the description of the illustratedpreferred embodiment of the present invention depicted in theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

Figures 1 and 2 are pictorial views of an assembled embodiment of thepresent invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective fragmentary detail view showing a clampingmeans for joining the arm to the shoulder;

Figure 4 is a perspective fragmentary detail view showing the clampingmeans used to join the hand to the arm;

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the instant invention in explodedform;

Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the instant invention, showing thesame in exploded form; Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the instantinvention, illustrating an alternate friction securing means to be usedbetween the lower and upper anatomy portions;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary upper anatomy portion of the said fourthembodiment, showing specifically an alternate friction securing means tobe used between the head and shoulder portion;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a button to be used in each of thefirst four embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a pair of suspenders to be used inconjunction with the illustrated first four embodiments of the instantinvention;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the block keeper used inconjunction with the securing means for the above mentioned button andfor the suspenders.

Referring now in detail to the illustrated preferred embodiments of theinstant invention, like reference characters are used throughout toindicate similar elements.

This invention relates to a novel and improved pleasure conducive devicewhich is both enters taming and educational. The broad operation of theinvention resides in the assembly and dismantling of components toconstruct figurines. The preferred material of construction iscommercial plastic, however other material may be used if so desired.This invention contemplates the use of fancifully painted woodcomponents, light metal components and the like.

Referring now to the first four embodiments of the present invention,which are very closely allied, it is noted that a body portion [9 and alower anatomy portion 12 are provided. It is clearly seen that the bodyportion [0 simulates the chest and shoulder members of a human being. Itis further readily apparent that the lower anatomy portion l2 simulatesthe legs and torso of a person. It is well to note at this point, thatthe basic components of the figurines disclosed in the first fourembodiments of the present invention, are similar differentiating onlyin the securing means used therewith. Obviously, the particular shape ofthe nose, chin and fingers, etc. of a man have no bearing on theinvention.

Taking now the embodiment of Figure 5, it is noted that an arm I 4 isremovably and adjustably secured to the said body member In. For thispurpose a plurality of lugs l6 are provided at the upper terminalportion of the said arm. Complemental apertures l8 are provided in theshoulder portion of the said body member to receive said lugs. It isreadily apparent that the arm M is frictionally received on the saidbody member Ill through the medium of the said lugs and apertures.

A hand portion 26 is provided with a pair of lugs 22 projectingtherefrom which are adapted to be received in selected adjustablefrictional engagement with the wrist portion of the said arm I 4.

A foot portion, in the form of a boot, is generally designated by thenumeral 24 and is provided with a plurality of apertures 26 at the upperportion thereof. Lugs 28 depend from the said lower anatomy portion l2and are adapted to be engaged in frictional relation with the confinesof the apertures 26.

A head portion 39 has a peg 32 extending from the neck thereof. It isapparent from an inspection of Figure 5, that the said peg 32 is adaptedto be adjustably and frictionally engaged within the confines of theaperture a l provided in the appropriate place in said body member to. A

3 member 36 simulating hair has secured thereto a plurality of pins 38which are adapted to be received in suitable apertures id provided onthe substantially bald head member 30. A hat 42 may be rested on thehead portion or hair memher if so desired.

A plurality of buttons 45 are secured to the chest portion of the saidbody member It. Reference to Figure 9 discloses the preferredconstructicrnof said -buttons. Further, reference ito Figure l'lldiscloses 'the preferred'keeper to be used as a part of the securingmeans for said button. It is noted that a right angular latch 46isrigidly secured to the back portion of the button 44.

Provided in the said chest portion J8 is a plurality of slots 48 adaptedto receive the said latch 46 therein. It is apparent :thatthebuttons 4 3may be inserted in the chest portion of the figurine, turned a portionof a revolution and thereby held securely thereto.

.A pl-urality of lugs :56 sareprovided "at .the %lower portion of the---said body :member 1;!) and are adapted :tobe received in Icomplemental bores '52 provided in the :upper portion of the said loweranatomy 52. Received exterior of the said-lugs andaperturess'illiand 52respectively, isaibelt 514 adapted .tonenclrclethe waist portion ofthese-id figurine. A-simulated buohle' 55 ;is formed. integral with thebelt :56 andza tongue 58 projects .from the inner surfaceaof the :beltadjacent the :said bucklezdii. A suitable-slotfillcis provided throughthe portion of =the=belt at .the oppositeiend from the said buckle 56.eQbVi U-SIY, this tongue .fil "is adapted to -.go through thessaid slot.r69 thence through :a suitable, similarsslotwfiz. in the waist portionof thefigurine. 1t :isiapparent-that the belt :Ei l will herheldsecurely about the waist of the-figurineibyithis construction. it ishere noted that a :pluralityof slots-"43 are provided adjacent the saidslot 62. The said slots -48 have been described hereinabove.

Reference :is now :made to the embodiment gof the: invention -;disc1osedin Figure 6. The: :back and chestportion it :is provided withaidifferent type of shirt thereon; The ;torso.;portio n l-2:;isidentical to the above described member llil with the exception gofthe-t-friction securing, :means. A plurality :of slots ts are providedabout the upper portion of the torso .member: :and are adaptedrteba inconjunction :thedseeperste tobe-idesc bedlat this time. :Depending fromt said ebodymember 4 il' is :a plurality :of .ly rectangular :keepers:adaptedito be ng aged Within. the confines .of 1 =.the aobvionsly,zthisconstruction permits body and torso members.

The :arms ii ii are ;provided with single peg ,68 integral with theupperportion thereof. Arright angular lugwlfi is-Qrovided ion the saiddeg 6.8 to complete the latchmechanism. Anaperture I2 is provided at theshoulder portion of the said bod member and asuitable :slotl d providedhery thereof. It :is =quite apparent m M :is adapted to be secured to:the

said .hcdy through the :medium :of the above dc?v a rela dvelyrotatable. adjustment between the said ithis-eye construction may -=.beusedgin each of the first four embodiments of the present invention. Forconvenience of illustration the eye member "has been disclosed asremovable only in the embodiment shown in Figure 6. A suitable hat 92may be provided on the head portion 30 of the herein described figurine.

A member '54 simulating hair is provided with a pair of legs 96 havingarcuate end portions 98 thereon. A lug N39 is provided between said legs96 and is adapted to be received in a suitable aperturewl E122 located:.iadj'acent :the mess ;of. .the said figurine. .eA'pair 11f: apertures11M fare 'providedxadjiacent ithe :ears zforuzeceiving the said arcuate:portions 38 therein. Obviously, byithis construction the ahairzmember:.94-rmay-.:.be1removably secured to ithe headsportion :30 ain'zthisembodiment;or:the-instanteinvention.

Referring nowv to therembodiment: disclosed in Figures .7. and-.8, it isnoted that :the body portion 10 ,iandx'torso ;portion'sl 2 aredisclosed. .sddiacent the zwaistof the figurine-.represented-:by.:theseportions, :are: screw (threaded portions 40.6 and 1.98. Thesethreadsare-complemental and are adapted to retain the memberlfiinfrictional engagement with the :said'member 1| 2. .By constructingthe :threads slightly out :ofz-pitch, 'a rel.- ativelyitight :fit may:be iefiiected :thereby render.- ing .a.Ifixeduadjustment.between :saidmembers possible.

@suitable' c'omplemental threads 1| tllqand =.I l2 areiprovi'ded son the-he'ad: portionfill and body member di'lmespectively. lihese threads mayalso be slightly :out'rof "pitch 1 or rendering :azstiff frice tion lockbetween the said .head member and body.

fliaking iznowrEigures' 1 $0.14 inclusive, another embodiment of thepresent invention will :be described. .Theifigurine1.-appearing:inFigures 1 and 2 are quite similar*to those' disclosedrin thehereinabove- 'des'cribedrspecies. However, .a' modified vform :oifdriction securing means is .provided in joining components thereof. Byway of example, securing :means between thearm and shoulderandihandzandwristere illustrated "in detail. Aztongne of substantially rectangularconfiguration is provided at therupperzextremity of the arm portion 2H4"randiis generally :designated by the numeral atlas;.Aspluralityofis-lots H6 crossin at aaconnnon ipointarei provided ratthe upper extremity ior shonlder "portion of ":the "said member to. @Itis apparentithat'iihezarm :l s may be adj ustably :and zfrictionallysecured in said body member through the medium .ofxthe tongue H4andigreove H3.

at the lowercextremity of the said arm Misc. plurality of slots "H 8similar 1to:the slots 11 6. A tongue I213 is provided on the wristportionxof'the saidhandizlhand is adapted-tobeselectivelyenga'gediwithinethersaid slots M8.

.A pair :or suspenders l 22 areprovided with a plurality of lugs I26 atthe extremity thereof. Theselugs. are adapted to be received in the.hereinabove described slots 58. .It .here .noted that thatthe suspendersare adapted tube used in. each of the abovedescribed.modificationscf.the invention. It is readily apparent from anin spection of Figure that the aperture or slot 48 is provided with around portion I26 so that it may be universally used both with thesuspenders and with the buttons 44. Obviously, the suspenders I22 areadapted to be received over the shoulders of the figurine and areadapted to be secured at the waist portion thereof.

It is here noted that the removable hair, removable eye members(including the removable iris), removable buttons, foot portion, etc.may be used in the figurine disclosed in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive.

Having thus described the instant invention, what is claimed as noveland improved is as follows:

1. A figurine simulating a human being comprising a chest and backmember, a lower anatomy portion, friction means for securing said loweranatomy portion to said chest and back member, slots in said loweranatomy portion adapted to receive a belt and suspenders selectivelytherein, slots in said chest and back member, a plurality of buttonshaving arms secured thereto adapted to be removably received in saidchest and back member slots, friction securing means in said chest andback member for securing arms therein in selected positions relative tosaid member, hand portions, means for frictionally and adjustablysecuring said hand portions to said arms, a head portion removablysecured to said member, simulated hair removably secured to said headportion, sockets in said head, simulated eye balls, means for removablysecuring said eye balls in said socket, and a removable iris in each ofsaid eye balls.

2. A figurine comprising a chest and back member, a lower anatomyportion, friction means securing said lower anatomy portion to saidchest and back member, slots in said lower anatomy portion receivingselectively in removable engagement therewith a belt and suspenders,slots in said chest and back member, and a plurality of buttons havingarms secured thereto disposed in said last mentioned slots removably.

3. A figurine comprising a chest and back member, a lower anatomyportion, friction means securing said lower anatomy portion to saidchest and back member, slots in said lower anatomy portion receivingselectively in removable engagement therewith a belt and suspenders,slots in said chest and back member, and a plurality of buttons havingarms secured thereto disposed in said last mentioned slots removably,said chest and back members having a plurality of intersecting shoulderslots, arms having tongues frictionally retained in said last mentionedslots selectively, whereby the arms may be adjusted to various steps ofrotational position.

4. A figurine comprising a chest and back member, a lower anatomyportion, friction means securing said lower anatomy portion to saidchest and back member, slots in said lower anatomy portion receivingselectively in removable engagement therewith a belt and suspenders,slots in said chest and back member, and a plurality of buttons havingarms secured thereto disposed in said last mentioned slots removably,said chest and back members having a plurality of intersecting shoulderslots, arms having tongues frictionally retained in said last mentionedslots selectively, whereby the arms may be adjusted to various steps ofrotational position, hand portions having tongues extending therefrom, anumber of intersecting slots at the wrist portion of each of said armsaccommodating said hand portions in selective positions.

5. In a figurine simulating a human being, a chest and member, a loweranatomy portion fric tionally and detachably secured to said chest andback portion, arms adjustably secured to said chest and back portion,hand portions detachably secured to the ends of said arms, simulatedhair having pegs extending therefrom, a head portion detachably securedto said chest and back portion, said head portion having aperturestherein detachably seating said pegs in said simulated hair portion,said chest portion having slots therein, buttons, arms attached to saidbuttons disposed in said chest portion slots.

6. The combination of claim 5 and said arms which are attached to saidbuttons being substantially L-shaped, whereby upon rotation of said armsin said chest slots the buttons are maintained firmly in position.

DON L. ALGER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 423,066 Massey Mar. 11, 18901,283,558 Read Nov. 5, 1918

